Procycling brings you the colour, action and drama of the world's most spectacular sport in a glossy and dynamic magazine.
It's the authoritative, worldwide voice of international professional road racing, distributed in every country where there are English-speaking fans.
With exclusive features and spectacular photography, Procycling brings to life the complexities, rivalries and hardships of the European professional scene.

Cycling Plus is the manual for the modern road cyclist.
Whether you're cycling weekly, an occasional new rider or a Tour de France fan you’ll find everything you need.
Every issue is packed with expert reviews of the latest road bikes and gear, inspirational routes and rides, evocative features that take you inside every aspect of cycling and unmatched nutrition, fitness and training advice.

Mountain Biking UK celebrates everything that is great about mountain biking, enabling people of all abilities and ages to have a better time on their bike.
MBUK brings you all the latest news, coolest kit, plus exclusive info on the newest and best bikes that you can buy.

Garmin Edge 510 GPS cycle computer review£249.99

The new Garmin Edge 510 isn't so much a replacement for the venerable Edge 500 as it is a new in-between model that borrows some features from the flagship Edge 810

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

2 / 35

Size-wise, the new Garmin Edge 510 is bigger than the tidy Edge 500 but still smaller than the Edge 800/810

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

3 / 35

The new color touchscreen on the Edge 510 (right) can sometimes be washed out in bright sunlight, as opposed to the sharper and more legible monochrome screen on the Edge 500

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

4 / 35

The back of the Garmin Edge 510 features a rubber cover for the mini USB port, plus a new tether loop for added security

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

5 / 35

One of the key upgrades on the Garmin Edge 510 is its new Bluetooth wireless capability, which allows pairing with an iOS and Android smartphones via the new Garmin Connect mobile app

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

6 / 35

The Garmin Edge 510 first presents you with this welcome screen where you can choose the bike you're riding and the activity type. Provided you've invested the time to set things up, the data screens are then fully customized based on your preferences

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

7 / 35

Users can enter in bike types at will and they're easily selected at startup

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

8 / 35

The new interface customizes the type of data that's presented based on the type of activity you choose (and configure)

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

9 / 35

The Garmin Edge 500 can display a maximum of eight data fields but the Edge 510's larger screen will fit up to 10

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

10 / 35

The Virtual Partner feature displays a computer-generated ghost rider. You can either race against a preset speed or if you've downloaded an actual ride, the person who originally uploaded the file

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

11 / 35

The Edge 510 doesn't offer proper navigational capabilities but you can at least still get an overview of routes you've downloaded

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

12 / 35

The elevation screen tracks your progress if you're logging a new file or displays your progress along a downloaded route

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

13 / 35

Garmin has fitted the new Edge 510 with both GPS and GLONASS satellite capability, for noticeably quicker locks and better reliability in less-than-ideal environments

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

14 / 35

Users can configure the screens based on bike and activity type instead of seeing the same screens for all cycling-related activities as on older Edge units

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

15 / 35

Double-tapping the screen during a ride brings up the main menu, plus temperature, battery charge, and the time of day up above

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

16 / 35

The Garmin Edge 510's icon-based screens are easy to navigate and understand

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

17 / 35

The Edge 510 doesn't have proper navigation capabilities but it does have some breadcrumb features

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

18 / 35

Newly added Bluetooth capabilities allow for pairing with a smartphone and the added functions associated with Garmin's new mobile app

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

19 / 35

Rides can be automatically uploaded via a connected smartphone. However, you'll still need to log on at a computer to edit file details such as title and notes

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

20 / 35

Rides are stored on the Edge 510's on-board memory. After a ride, the computer will display additional information such as best times on a course or furthest distance ridden

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

21 / 35

The Garmin Connect mobile app is well done and easy to navigate

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

22 / 35

The Garmin Connect mobile app displays upload progress

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

23 / 35

Uploaded rides can be viewed on the mobile app but you can't edit fields such as the title remotely

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

24 / 35

After your ride, data is transferred to the mobile app where you can review the information

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

25 / 35

You can also review various charts for rides that have been transferred from the Edge 510 to your mobile device

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

26 / 35

One particularly slick feature is the integrated weather service, which not only pulls up the forecast for your location but will send alerts directly to the Edge 510 in the event of an incoming storm

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

27 / 35

Courses can be searched via the mobile app

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

28 / 35

The new LiveTrack feature provides invited recipients (or your Facebook friends and Twitter followers) with your location and speed once you've started a ride

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

29 / 35

Once you've found a course on the mobile app, you can then download it wirelessly directly to the Edge 510

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

30 / 35

People you've invited to the new Garmin LiveTrack feature will receive this email message with a clickable link

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

31 / 35

LiveTrack followers can track your progress almost in real time

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

32 / 35

The new Garmin OutFront mount is the long anticipated version to go up against models from third-party competitors such as Tate Labs and K-Edge

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

33 / 35

The Garmin OutFront doesn't feel as sturdy as we'd like, although we applaud the company's decision to keep the height of the display down low

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

34 / 35

Two mounting positions for the quarter-turn interface on the new Garmin OutFront mount allow both bike-specific Edge computers and the company's outdoor-oriented models to maintain the correct orientation

(James Huang/Future Publishing)

35 / 35

The new Garmin Edge 510 isn't so much a replacement for the venerable Edge 500 as it is a new in-between model that borrows some features from the flagship Edge 810

BikeRadar verdict

The new Garmin Edge 510 isn't so much a step up from the likable Edge 500 as it is a 'lite' version of the Edge 800 and new Edge 810.

While lacking that flagship's mapping and navigational functions, the new mid-sized Edge 510 adds a full-color touchscreen, a major satellite system upgrade, a complete redesign of the interface, and a slick smartphone connectivity package that can not only upload your rides when you're done but even download critical alerts while you're on the go.

Size-wise, the new garmin edge 510 is bigger than the tidy edge 500 but still smaller than the edge 800/810: size-wise, the new garmin edge 510 is bigger than the tidy edge 500 but still smaller than the edge 800/810

Garmin Edge 500, 510 and 800 size comparison

There's no mistaking the Edge 510's bigger form factor and slightly increased heft over the Edge 500, weighing in at 80g and measuring 85x52x24mm versus the 500's trimmer 58g, 69x48x22mm body. Adding to the visual heft is the 510's squared-off case as compared to the 500's more gently rounded design.

While bigger and heavier, the Edge 510 also includes a full-color LCD screen that measures 57mm diagonally to the 500's 45mm monochrome unit. As Garmin has moved to a touchscreen interface, too, the Edge 510 also does away with most of the 500's physical buttons, leaving just three behind: power on the upper left side (which also pulls up the screen lock and brightness functions), and the lap and start/stop triggers at the bottom of the face of the unit.

The back of the garmin edge 510 features a rubber cover for the mini-usb port plus a new tether loop for added security.: the back of the garmin edge 510 features a rubber cover for the mini-usb port plus a new tether loop for added security.

The back of the 510 features a rubber cover for the mini USB port

As before, the back of the Edge 510 features a covered port for the mini USB plug and Garmin's now-standard quarter-turn mount interface. The new case also adds a tether loop for riders concerned about the computer popping off of the mount during a crash.

Interface and performance

The Edge 510 isn't a huge departure from the 500 in terms of the data that's collected. But how that data is presented and organized is a major change from before.

Previously, Garmin designed all of its Edge computers to be present the same information regardless of discipline. In other words – unless you were to laboriously configure everything manually each time – a road century, trail ride, cyclocross race, downhill session, or your everyday commute would all display the same data screens. Sure, you could select different bikes (only after digging through several menu layers) but that was only to track total mileage and adjust wireless accessory settings.

Users can enter in bike types at will and they're easily selected at startup.: users can enter in bike types at will and they're easily selected at startup.

Users can enter in bike types at will and they're easily selected at startup

The Edge 510, on the other hand, now allows users to predefine up to ten bike types and five associated sub-categories (up from three bikes and no sub-categories on the 500), each with its own customizable selection of data screens – ROAD>TRAINING, CROSS>RACE, TRAIL>RIDE, and so on. For each sub-category you can have up to five screens of data with 10 fields each (up from three on the 500), as well as workout, map (just a GPS trace) course, elevation and virtual partner screens.

We could configure it to see elevation and percent grade information for general road riding but not during 'cross races, where we prioritized heart rate and time. Similarly, if we wanted to use it for time trialling then we could set up a configuration with key power outputs (for example, 3 sec, 30 sec and average power), as well as time, distance and speed.

The garmin edge 500 can display a maximum of eight data fields but the edge 510's larger screen will fit up to ten.: the garmin edge 500 can display a maximum of eight data fields but the edge 510's larger screen will fit up to ten.

The 500 can display a maximum of eight data fields but the 510's larger screen fits up to 10

As before, each category can also be configured with associated ANT+ wireless accessories, such as power meters, heart rate straps, and speed/cadence sensors.

There is still a substantial amount of initial configuring to do compounded by however many categories you desire, but at least now you only have to configure everything once. At startup, you simply select your bike and ride type, tap 'RIDE', and head off. Once you're done, the Edge 510 even offers a bit of supportive feedback, indicating personal records and similar notes based on stored ride history.

We have mixed opinions on Garmin's switch to a touchscreen interface, but on the whole our experiences have generally been positive. The screen is reasonably responsive – even with gloved hands or when wet – and we found it easier to select screens using a quick swipe than we did with the Edge 500's smaller side-mounted buttons.

There are times when you need to single- or double-tap the screen, though, and here the Edge 510 is more finicky, requiring a firmer stab as opposed to a quick touch as is needed on an iPhone or Android mobile phone.

Double-tapping the screen during a ride brings up the main menu, plus temperature, battery charge, and the time of day up above.: double-tapping the screen during a ride brings up the main menu, plus temperature, battery charge, and the time of day up above.

Double-tapping the screen during a ride brings up the main menu

We're happy that Garmin has moved to a more upscale color display but unfortunately, the contrast isn't as good as the Edge 500's impressively sharp monochrome panel. Despite multiple setting variations, we also found it the new 510 tough to read in very bright sunlight.

Our testers noted a few bugs, too, although in fairness we've been playing with pre-production samples. A spotty power meter readout was corrected with a software update, we noticed an occasional mixing of metric and statute units, and we also found the Edge 510 to struggle a bit with accurate altimeter readings when it was very wet outside – something that can be corrected after the fact through Garmin's online database. Otherwise, our test units have been stable and reliable.

One undeniable improvement is how quickly the 510 connects to orbiting satellites. While the 500 relies only on traditional GPS, the 510 supplements that with Russia's GLONASS satellite network. The end result is far speedier satellite locks and better reliability in areas with spotty line-of-sight.

We consistently established a satellite lock in about 14 seconds when outdoors – just a few seconds quicker than with a 500. More impressively, that time barely crept up while we were indoors next to a window, while the 500 took as much as three times longer and occasionally struggled to locate us at all.

Despite the bigger, full-color screen, Garmin says the Edge 510 will run for two hours longer than the 500. Garmin claims up to 20 hours of run time but we consistently got 16 hours – roughly the same as our long-term 500. That’s with a fair bit of swiping and use of the backlight during a ride, which is going to eat into the run time.

Connectivity

The garminconnect mobile app is well done and easy to navigate.: the garminconnect mobile app is well done and easy to navigate.

The Garmin Connect mobile app is well done and easy to navigate

The other major hardware upgrade on the Edge 510 is the addition of a dual band ANT+/Bluetooth wireless chip that allows you to connect the device with both iOS and Android phones using Garmin's own Garmin Connect mobile app. Pairing the two devices is straightforward.

One offshoot of this expanded capability is exactly what many of us expected: once you're done with your ride, and if you've set it to do so, the app will automatically upload the file wirelessly to your Garmin Connect online account. Unfortunately, this only transfers the data, so you still have to log on to a proper computer or tablet to edit ride titles and insert notes – not a huge issue as you have to plug in somewhere to recharge the battery anyway.

Garmin has wisely integrated social media into the wireless upload, too. Once the data has been transferred from the Edge to your phone – which happens reasonably quickly – you can quickly share that ride via Facebook and Twitter, or just send it directly through email or SMS.

The new livetrack feature provides invited recipients (or your facebook friends and twitter followers) with your location and speed once you've started a ride.: the new livetrack feature provides invited recipients (or your facebook friends and twitter followers) with your location and speed once you've started a ride.

A new LiveTrack feature shares your ride progress in almost real time. Data transfers at regular intervals from the Edge unit to a connected smartphone, which then relays it to selected recipients – or to all of your Facebook friends or Twitter followers.

This should be a boon for solo riders who would like to reassure loved ones that they're safe, or even racers who want to transmit their progress to fans during an event. It's not thrilling to watch if you're on the other end ("This is about as much fun as watching paint dry," said BikeRadar technical writer Josh Patterson) but it's useful information nonetheless.

The following video more or less shows this, as members of the Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda team get out on the road to join their teammates. It's nicely done.

Garmin presents -- the edge : let others follow

Garmin Presents -- The Edge : Let others follow

That wireless communication goes the other way, too. You can search courses and routes on the enormous Garmin Connect online database through your phone, download them wirelessly to the Edge, and then follow that route with the added motivation of a virtual partner so you know if you're on pace with whomever created the route.

This is all in theory, though – so far, we've been testing our 510 units prior to the official app release, so stay tuned for an update later on.

One particularly slick feature is the integrated weather service, which not only pulls up the forecast for your location but will send alerts directly to the edge 510 in the event of an incoming storm.: one particularly slick feature is the integrated weather service, which not only pulls up the forecast for your location but will send alerts directly to the edge 510 in the event of an incoming storm.

Integrated weather alert

One particularly slick feature is the automatic weather alert system, which can be especially useful for riders embarking on an epic day or in mountainous regions where a nasty front can come in quickly.

According to Garmin PR man Justin McCarthy, the system will send an alert directly to your connected Edge 510 display if a weather event is predicted within a three-hour window. Again, we didn’t have a chance to test this feature, as no adverse weather events occurred during our initial trial period.

While all of this is rather neat, one obvious question remains: if you have to have a connected smartphone with you to use all of these enhanced features, why not just use your phone for GPS?

For one, using the GPS feature on your phone devours battery life, while mirroring information back and forth via Bluetooth is far more energy efficient. In addition, many riders aren't comfortable mounting a phone to their handlebar, where it's not only visually bulky but also subject to damage.

Make no mistake – we love cycling-specific apps – but this seems to like a better solution for serious cyclists.

Supporting software and hardware

The new garmin outfront mount is the long anticipated version to go up against third party competitors such as from tate labs and k-edge.: the new garmin outfront mount is the long anticipated version to go up against third party competitors such as from tate labs and k-edge.

The OutFront mount is the long anticipated Garmin competitor for Tate Labs and K-Edge

Accompanying the new Edge 510 is Garmin's long awaited entry to the forward-located computer mount market. Simply called the OutFront, Garmin's version is made of molded plastic with a hinged clamp, rubber inserts for both 31.8mm and 26.0mm-diameter handlebars, and a quarter-turn interface that can be rotated 90 degrees for use with Garmin's outdoor GPS units.

As with other widgets of this type, we're happy with the improved visibility compared to a stem mount, but given that Garmin's version isn't any cheaper we can't help but be a little disappointed.

The spindly mast is a little flexy, it's tricky to get the narrow clamp mounted perfectly square on the handlebar, and, most irritatingly, the mount itself sits off-axis so the computer is slightly rotated.

Conclusion

The new Garmin Edge 510 isn't exactly the comprehensive overhaul some people were expecting, and aside from the connectivity aspects we don't see much reason for current Edge 500 owners to switch unless they're regularly moving the unit between multiple bikes and really want different screens for each. We're also a little disappointed in the touchscreen's legibility in bright sunlight.

Even so, owners of older Garmin units – or GPS holdouts who haven't quite taken the plunge – will find a lot to like here, particularly if the current 500 seemed too minimal and the Edge 800 too excessive.

At UK£249 / US$329.99 for the basic unit plus handlebar mount (add an extra £50 for heart rate strap, cadence sensor and OutFront mount) the 510 fills a big pricing hole in the current lineup, and despite a few minor bugs we anticipate Garmin is going to sell an awful lot of them.

Get inspired by our deals

Use our deal finder to find the best deals on bikes, cycling gear and accessories. We search dozens of online bike shops so you don't have to.

Preferred Terrain: Up in the Colorado high-country where the singletrack is still single, the dirt is still brown, and the aspens are in full bloom. Also, those perfect stretches of pavement where the road snakes across the mountainside like an artist's paintbrush.